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Oslo, the capital of Norway
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Oslo

Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway, serving as both a county and municipality in the heart of the Nordic region. This vibrant city blends modern Scandinavian culture with rich history, offering visitors world-class museums, waterfront attractions, and access to stunning Norwegian nature.

Photo: Orjanarvola (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
1,110,887 (city, 2025)
Currency
Norwegian krone (NOK)
Language
Norwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami
Timezone
CEST (UTC+2)
Local time now
11:39:31

Hotels in Oslo

Oslo offers a variety of hotels to suit different travellers, from historic establishments like Grand Hotel and Karl Johan hotell to contemporary chain options including Thon Hotel Cecil and Scandic properties. Whether you're visiting Norway's capital for business or leisure, you'll find accommodation across the city's main districts. See all hotels →

Airports in Oslo

We're still gathering airports listings for Oslo — check back soon.

Car Hire in Oslo

Oslo offers convenient car hire options through established providers like Europcar Oslo, Hertz, and Avis, making it easy to explore Norway at your own pace. Whether you need a vehicle for city exploration or countryside adventures, these rental companies provide flexible solutions for visitors to the capital. See all car hire →

Europcar Oslo
445 m from centre
Hertz
593 m from centre
Hertz
806 m from centre
Avis
2.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Oslo

Oslo offers a rich variety of attractions for visitors, from museums and galleries to cultural landmarks. Explore venues such as W.F.K Christie, Christian Krohg, Paradox Museum, Johan Sverdrup, and Johan Herman Wessel to experience the city's diverse cultural heritage and entertainment options. See all things to do →

W.F.K Christie
47 m from centre
Christian Krohg
84 m from centre
Paradox Museum
113 m from centre
Johan Sverdrup
116 m from centre
Johan Herman Wessel
131 m from centre
HOLLÆNDER GAARDEN
179 m from centre

Restaurants in Oslo

We're still gathering restaurants listings for Oslo — check back soon.

Swimming Pools in Oslo

Oslo offers a range of swimming facilities for locals and visitors alike. From Bystranda and Tjuvholmen Sjøbad to established venues like Domus Athletica svømmehall, Røabadet - Badeland & Velvære, and Lambertseter bad, the city provides excellent options for swimming and aquatic recreation. See all swimming pools →

Bystranda
1.3 km from centre
Tjuvholmen Sjøbad
1.3 km from centre
Domus Athletica svømmehall
3.7 km from centre

Spas in Oslo

We're still gathering spas listings for Oslo — check back soon.

Nightlife in Oslo

Oslo offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate bars to energetic clubs. Whether you're looking for a night out at sub.scene, Lawo, Elsker, Faksen Bar, or Justisen, the city has options to suit various tastes and atmospheres. See all nightlife →

Bars in Oslo

Oslo offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from casual to upscale. Whether you're looking for a drink at Brødrene Bergh, *ISM, Brød & Sirkus, Bristol Bar, or Fridtjof, the city has options to suit every taste. See all bars →

Cafes in Oslo

We're still gathering cafes listings for Oslo — check back soon.

Shopping in Oslo

Oslo offers excellent shopping across a variety of venues, from historic department stores like Steen & Strøm and Glasmagasinet to modern shopping malls such as Paleet Shopping and Eger Mall. Whether you're looking for Scandinavian design, fashion, or home furnishings, you'll find quality retailers throughout the city, including the design-focused Illums Bolighus. See all shopping →

Nature & Wildlife in Oslo

Oslo offers diverse natural spaces for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. From the green gardens of Universitetshagen to the public squares like Eidsvolls plass and Kronprinsesse Märthas plass, the city provides plenty of opportunities to experience nature within and around its urban landscape. See all nature & wildlife →

Eidsvolls plass
2 m from centre
Studenterlunden
291 m from centre
Universitetshagen
322 m from centre
Kronprinsesse Märthas plass
364 m from centre
Kontraskjæret
371 m from centre
Tullinløkka
381 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Oslo experiences cold winters with snow and frost, and mild summers with long daylight hours. Spring and autumn bring transitional weather with variable conditions. The city's location in Southeast Norway means it enjoys a relatively temperate climate for its northern latitude.

Interesting Facts About Oslo — Weird & Wonderful

  • Oslo is unique in being both a municipality and a county within Norway's administrative structure.
  • The city's urban area has grown to over 1.1 million people, making it significantly larger than the city proper.
  • The greater metropolitan area extends beyond the city boundaries, with an estimated population of over 1.5 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oslo

What currency is used in Oslo?

The currency used in Oslo is the Norwegian krone (NOK), as Norway is an independent country.

What language is spoken in Oslo?

Norwegian is the primary language spoken in Oslo. English is widely understood in tourist areas and by younger residents.

How many people live in Oslo?

The municipality of Oslo has a population of 724,290, while the greater urban area has approximately 1,110,887 residents.

Is Oslo the capital of Norway?

Yes, Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway.

Where is Oslo located?

Oslo is located in Southeast Norway, serving as the administrative centre of both a municipality and a county.

Map of Oslo

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